Cohen, Martin P., and Williams, Stephen (1993) General ecology of the Cane Toad, Bufo marinus, and examination of direct effects on native frog choruses at Heathlands, Cape York Peninsula. In: UNSPECIFIED, (ed.) Cape York Peninsula Scientific Expedition Wet Season 1992. Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, pp. 243-245.

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Abstract

Experiments performed on the introduced cane toad (Bufo marinus) during the Heathlands wet season expedition are outlined. Twenty cane toads were collected at Cockatoo Creek dam during a native frog chorus. Stomach content analysis of these toads demonstrated no direct predatory effect on the native frogs. Ten cane toads were spool-tracked around the Cockatoo Creek dam. Seven of these toads were tracked to a shelter site, six of which were retraced the following day. Most toads favoured shelter sites amongst the long grass around the dam. Some toads moved distances of up to 200 m into the nearby heath. Nine toads were similarly spool-tracked from a small roadside pool of water. Shelter sites and movement of these toads were recorded. Shelter sites included an old goanna burrow, hollow logs and under clumps of grass. Most toads remained in close proximity to the pool. Toad retreat sites tended to be near water and atleast partially shaded. A mark-recapture program (along a transect from Heathlands homestead to Bertie Creek) and examination of stomach contents of toads were also performed. Few toads were recaptured during the mark-recapture program, possibly due to the dry conditions. The stomach contents of toads collected around the homestead showed a diet of primarily insects, with ants and beetles being the dominant groups.

Item ID:	1674
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Non-Commercial)
ISBN:	0-94-928605-2
Keywords:	cane toad, Bufo marinus, Cape York, Queensland, Australia, Heathlands, native frog, chorus, predation
Date Deposited:	12 Sep 2007
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060208 Terrestrial Ecology @ 0%
Downloads:	Total: 3
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